Swimwear

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a swimsuit that is made of a stretchable fabric and covers at least a portion of the thighs and the hips when worn, wherein two or more band-like tightening portions are arranged so as to extend in the body length direction from each of the left and right hips to the corresponding thigh such that the tightening portions intersect each other, and the intersection of the two or more band-like tightening portions is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓ of the hamstrings. Thus, a swimsuit is provided that can stabilize the posture in water and support the movements of the hamstrings.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a swimsuit, and more particularlyrelates to a swimsuit that covers at least a portion of the hips and thethighs of a wearer when worn.

BACKGROUND ART

In swimming, especially in competitive swimming, there is a demand forswimsuits that are designed to reduce water resistance. The waterresistance includes form resistance that is dependent on the body shapeof a swimmer, and other types of resistance. Patent Document 1 disclosesa swimsuit that includes a tightening portion in a region that covers aportion of the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings to thereby suppressthe form resistance caused by the position of the waist or the legsbecoming lower than the position of the upper body during swimming, andthus improves sports performance. Patent Document 2 proposes a swimsuitthat includes a tension band extending along the outside of a thighregion of the swimsuit to a hip region of the swimsuit and inwardly fromthe hip region across an upper glute region of the swimsuit towards amid-line of the swimsuit, to thereby improve the property of helping theswimmer maintain a correct body position.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

[Patent Document 1] JP 2014-91894A

[Patent Document 2] JP 2017-525864T

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, the swimsuits of Patent Documents 1 and 2 are required toprovide not only the effect of stabilizing the posture in water but alsoan effect of supporting the movements of the hamstrings.

To address the above-described problems, the present invention providesa swimsuit that can stabilize the posture in water and support themovements of the hamstrings.

Means for Solving Problem

The present invention relates to a swimsuit that is made of astretchable fabric and covers at least a portion of the thighs and thehips when worn, wherein two or more band-like tightening portions arearranged so as to extend in the body length direction from each of theleft and right hips to the corresponding thigh such that the tighteningportions intersect each other, and an intersection of the two or moreband-like tightening portions is located between the top of the hip andproximal ⅓ of the hamstrings.

In the swimsuit of the present invention, it is preferable that thetightening portions are each formed by bonding a piece of tension tapeto a stretchable fabric that constitutes a main body of the swimsuit,and then bonding a tape-shaped stretchable fabric having a larger widththan the tension tape to the stretchable fabric via the tension tape. Itis preferable that the tension tape and the tape-shaped stretchablefabric are located on the inside of the swimsuit. Also, it is preferablethat the intersection of the two or more band-like tightening portionsis located in a region that covers a portion of the hamstrings, and ismore preferably located in a region that covers a portion of the bicepsfemoris and/or the semitendinosus.

In the swimsuit of the present invention, it is preferable that thestretchable fabric has a tensile modulus of elasticity in the bodylength direction of 140×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 200×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less,as measured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14. It is preferable thatthe tightening portions have a tensile modulus of elasticity in the bodylength direction of 160×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 220×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less,as measured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14. It is preferable thatthe intersection of the two or more band-like tightening portions has atensile modulus of elasticity in the body length direction of 220×10⁻⁵N/mm² or more and 420×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, as measured based on Method Aof JIS L 1096 8.14.

Effects of the Invention

The present invention can provide a swimsuit that stabilizes the posturein water and supports the movements of the hamstrings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for men) according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; FIG. 1(a) is a front view, FIG. 1(b) is a left side view, andFIG. 1(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for men) according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 2(a) is a front view, FIG. 2(b) is a left sideview, and FIG. 2(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for men) according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 3(a) is a front view, FIG. 3(b) is a left sideview, and FIG. 3(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for men) according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 4(a) is a front view, FIG. 4(b) is a left sideview, and FIG. 4(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for women) according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 5(a) is a front view, FIG. 5(b) is a left sideview, and FIG. 5(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for women) according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 6(a) is a front view, FIG. 6(b) is a left sideview, and FIG. 6(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for women) according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 7(a) is a front view, FIG. 7(b) is a left sideview, and FIG. 7(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 8 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for women) according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 8(a) is a front view, FIG. 8(b) is a left sideview, and FIG. 8(c) is a rear view.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the skin stretch of a region of theposterior lower body between the knees and the waist during swimming inthe cases of the crawl (FIG. 9(a)), the butterfly (FIG. 9(b)), thebackstroke (FIG. 9(c)), and the breaststroke (FIG. 9(d)).

FIG. 10 is a partial schematic view of the region of the posterior lowerbody between the knees and the waist, and shows the location of anintersection of two or more band-like tightening portions.

FIG. 11 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for men) of Comparative Example 1; FIG. 11(a) is afront view, FIG. 11(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 11(c) is a rearview.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuit(of a half spats type for women) of Comparative Example 2; FIG. 12(a) isa front view, FIG. 12(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 12(c) is a rearview.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention have conducted in-depth researchon a swimsuit that provides both the effect of stabilizing the posturein water and the effect of supporting the movements of the hamstrings.First, the skin stretch of the posterior lower body when swimming thecrawl, butterfly, backstroke, and breaststroke was analyzed using amethod disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3831348. FIG. 9 shows theresults. FIG. 9(a) shows the results in the case of the crawl, FIG. 9(b)the butterfly, FIG. 9(c) the backstroke, and FIG. 9(d) the breaststroke.In FIG. 9, 200 indicates the degree of skin stretch, and the degree ofskin stretch increases from I toward II. As can be seen from FIG. 9,when swimming the various strokes, the degree of skin stretch was largein a region spanning from the top of the hip to the proximal ⅓ of thehamstrings. In a swimsuit of the present invention, two or moreband-like tightening portions are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction (also referred to as the “body height direction”) fromeach of the left and right hips to the corresponding thigh such that thetwo or more band-like tightening portions intersect each other, and theintersection of the two or more band-like tightening portions(hereinafter, also referred to simply as the “intersection”) is locatedin the region spanning from the top of the hip to the proximal ⅓ of thehamstrings, where the degree of skin stretch during swimming is large,as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the swimsuit of the present invention canstabilize the posture in the water and support the movements of thehamstrings. For example, muscle load applied to the hip joint extensorsincluding the gluteus maximus, the gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus,and the hamstrings, as well as the hip joint medial rotators includingthe semitendinosus, the semimembranosus, the gluteus medius (lateralside), the gluteus minimus (lateral side), and the tensor fasciae lataeduring swimming is reduced. The term “hamstrings” refers collectively tothe biceps femoris, the semimembranosus, and the semitendinosus, whichare located at the back of the thigh (the posterior side of the lowerlimb). As used herein, the expression “proximal ⅓ of the hamstrings”means a section of the hamstrings up to a distance of 100%/3 from theproximal end of the hamstrings, provided that the length of thehamstrings in the body height direction from the proximal end to thedistal end thereof is taken as 100%. Also, the expression “the top ofthe hip” means a section at a distance of 100%/2 from the lower end ofthe gluteus maximus, provided that the length of the gluteus maximus inthe body height direction from the upper end to the lower end thereof istaken as 100%.

In the present invention, the term “stretchable fabric” means that thefabric has an elongation percentage of more than 0% in the body lengthdirection. In the present invention, the elongation percentage of fabricis measured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14.1 (under a load of17.6N, at a tensile speed of 200 mm/min).

The tightening portions have a higher tightening force, or in otherwords, a higher tensile modulus of elasticity in the body lengthdirection, than the other portions. In the swimsuit of the presentinvention, the tensile modulus of elasticity of the tightening portionsis higher than that of the stretchable fabric, which constitutes themain body of the swimsuit, and in the tightening portions, theintersection has the highest tensile modulus of elasticity. In thepresent invention, the tensile modulus of elasticity is measured basedon Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14., or specifically, a piece of a fabric isfixed to a tensile tester such that the piece of the fabric has a widthof 5 cm and a length of 10 cm, and then elongated, and the tensilemodulus of elasticity (N/mm²) of the fabric is determined from thegradient of stress at 5% elongation. The length of the piece of thefabric means the size thereof in a direction corresponding to themeasurement direction. For example, in the case where the tensilemodulus of elasticity in the body length direction is to be measured,the length of the piece of the fabric means the size of the piece of thefabric in the body length direction, and in the case where the tensilemodulus of elasticity in the body width direction is to be measured, thelength of the piece of the fabric means the size of the piece of thefabric in the body width direction.

The tensile modulus of elasticity of the stretchable fabric in the bodylength direction is not particularly limited, but is preferably 140×10⁻⁵N/mm² or more and 200×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, more preferably 150×10⁻⁵ N/mm²or more and 190×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, and even more preferably 160×10⁻⁵N/mm² or more and 180×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less. With the stretchable fabrichaving a tensile modulus of elasticity within the above-described range,the swimsuit has favorable wearability and also has an improved fit.

There is no particular limitation on the stretchable fabric, and anystretchable fabrics that are usually used for swimsuits can be used. Forexample, a one-way or two-way woven or knitted fabric containing anelastic thread is preferably used. Preferably, the elastic thread is atleast one selected from polyurethane-based elastic threads andpolyester-based elastic threads. The reason for this is that suchelastic threads have high stretchability and is therefore suitable forsports clothing. The elastic thread may be used as a bare yarn (barethread) combined with a non-elastic thread (rigid thread), or as acovered yarn in which the surface of the elastic thread is coated with apolyester fiber or a nylon fiber. Moreover, the stretchable fabric maybe a double cloth.

The stretchable fabric preferably has a basis weight within a range of50 g/m² or more and 400 g/m² or less, more preferably 80 g/m² or moreand 300 g/m² or less, and even more preferably 100 g/m² or more and 200g/m² or less. A stretchable fabric having a basis weight within theabove-described range does not cause a see-through problem and otherproblems, is aesthetically suitable, and has excellent wearabilitywithout creating a sensation of heaviness.

The tightening portions preferably have a tensile modulus of elasticityin the body length direction of 160×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 220×10⁻⁵N/mm² or less, more preferably 165×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 200×10⁻⁵ N/mm²or less, and even more preferably 170×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 190×10⁻⁵N/mm² or less. The intersection of the tightening portions preferablyhas a tensile modulus of elasticity in the body length direction of220×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 420×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, more preferably240×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 400×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, and even morepreferably, 260×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 380×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less. When thetightening portions and their intersection have tensile moduli ofelasticity in the body length direction within the above-describedranges, the swimsuit is easy to put on, and the effect of supporting themovements of the hamstrings, for example, during a kicking motion or thelike, also improves. The tensile modulus of elasticity in the bodylength direction of the tightening portions is measured by cutting apiece of fabric (with a width of 5 cm and a length of 15 cm) containinga single band-like tightening portion from a portion of the swimsuit inwhich the tightening portion other than the intersection is arranged,and performing measurement using the cut piece of fabric as ameasurement sample. For example, a piece of fabric is cut from a portionindicated by reference numeral 300 in FIG. 1, and used for measurementof the tensile modulus of elasticity of the tightening portions. Thetensile modulus of elasticity in the body length direction of theintersection of the tightening portions is measured by cutting a pieceof fabric (with a width of 5 cm and a length of 15 cm) containing theintersection of the tightening portions from a portion of the swimsuitin which the intersection of the tightening portions is arranged, andperforming measurement using the cut piece of fabric as a measurementsample. For example, a piece of fabric is cut from a portion indicatedby reference numeral 400 in FIG. 1, and used for measurement of thetensile modulus of elasticity of the intersection of the tighteningportions.

The tightening portions are arranged in a band-like form so as to extendin the body length direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh. Two or more tightening portions, for example, two,three, or four, or another number of tightening portions can be arrangedso as to extend in the body length direction from each of the left andright hips to the corresponding thigh such that their intersection islocated in the region spanning from the top of the hip to the proximal ⅓of the hamstrings, and there is no particular limitation on the numberof tightening portions. From the viewpoint of the comfort in wearing, itis preferable that two tightening portions are arranged so as to extendfrom each of the left and right hips to the corresponding thigh. Whentwo tightening portions are arranged so as to extend from each of theleft and right hips to the corresponding thigh, the tightening portionsextending from each of the left and right hips to the correspondingthigh form a substantially X shape.

The tightening portions may extend to the waist. In this case, theposture in water can be more effectively stabilized. The tighteningportions may extend to the lower end of the swimsuit. In this case, theposture in water can be more effectively stabilized. In order to moreeffectively stabilize the posture in water, it is preferable that atleast one of the tightening portions is arranged so as to pass through asurrounding region of the sacrum. In order to more effectively stabilizethe posture in water and support the movements of the hamstrings, it ispreferable that the intersection of the tightening portions is locatedin a region that covers a portion of the hamstrings, and is morepreferably located in a region that covers a portion of the bicepsfemoris and/or the semitendinosus.

Although the method for forming the tightening portions is notparticularly limited, each tightening portion can be formed by, forexample, bonding a piece of tension tape (also referred to as a tensionband) to the stretchable fabric, which constitutes the main body of theswimsuit, such that the longitudinal direction of the tension tapematches the body length direction, and then bonding a tape-shapedstretchable fabric having a larger width than the tension tape to thestretchable fabric via the tension tape such that the tape-shapedstretchable fabric covers the tension tape and the longitudinaldirection of the tape-shaped stretchable fabric matches the body lengthdirection. In order to reduce the form resistance, the tension tape andthe tape-shaped stretchable fabric are preferably located on the inside(body surface side) of the swimsuit. Bonding the tape-shaped stretchablefabric to the stretchable fabric via the tension tape increases thedurability of the tightening portion and can prevent the tension tapefrom falling off from the main body of the swimsuit. In order to reducethe skin friction, for example, it is preferable that the tension tapeand the tape-shaped stretchable fabric have a width of 5 mm or more and30 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Thetension tape and the tape-shaped stretchable fabric are bondedpreferably through adhesion using a hot melt adhesive. Examples of thehot melt adhesive include, but are not particularly limited to, asheet-type hot melt adhesive, a nonwoven fabric-type hot melt adhesive,and a liquid-type hot melt adhesive.

There is no particular limitation on the tension tape, and either of aknitted fabric and a woven fabric may be used. For example, varioustypes of commercially available tension bands can be selected and usedas appropriate. The tensile modulus of elasticity in the body lengthdirection, which matches the longitudinal direction of the tension tape,of the tension tape is not particularly limited, but is preferably5×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 30×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, and more preferably10×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 20×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, for the purpose ofmaking it likely that the tightening portions have a tensile modulus ofelasticity in the body length direction of 160×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and220×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less.

The elongation percentage in the body length direction of thestretchable fabric constituting the main body of the swimsuit is notparticularly limited, but is preferably 15% or more and 75% or less,more preferably 20% or more and 65% or less, and even more preferably25% or more and 55% or less, from the viewpoint of wearability and animproved fit, for example. The elongation percentage in the body widthdirection (also referred to as the “circumferential direction”) of thestretchable fabric constituting the main body of the swimsuit is notparticularly limited, but is preferably 30% or more and 75% or less, andmore preferably 35% or more and 65% or less, from the viewpoint ofwearability and an improved fit, for example. The elongation percentagein the body length direction of the tape-shaped stretchable fabric isnot particularly limited, but is preferably 30% or more and 80% or less,more preferably 35% or more and 75% or less, and even more preferably40% or more and 70% or less, from the viewpoint of wearability and thetightening force, for example. The elongation percentage in the bodywidth direction of the tape-shaped stretchable fabric is notparticularly limited, but is preferably 20% or more and 65% or less, andmore preferably 25% or more and 60% or less, from the viewpoint ofwearability and the tightening force, for example.

The type of the swimsuit of the present invention is not particularlylimited as long as the swimsuit covers at least a portion of the thighsand the hips when worn. Any of a half spats type, a long spats type(spats type), a short john one-piece type, a long john one-piece type,and a full body one-piece type may be adopted.

A swimsuit is usually worn in a state of being in substantially closecontact with the body surface of the wearer. In order to realize thestate of “being in substantially close contact”, a swimsuit is formed tohave girths that are 50% or more and 110% or less, and more preferably70% or more and 95% or less, and a length that is 75% or more and 100%or less, and more preferably 85% or more and 100% or less, of the sizeof a naked human body. It goes without saying that the size of the humanbody varies between individuals, and therefore, the above-describedpercentages are a rough indication. More specifically, the size of theswimsuit is determined in conformity with the JASPO standard.

Hereinafter, descriptions will be given using the drawings. FIG. 1schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1(a) is afront view, FIG. 1(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 1(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 1 is a swimsuit of a half spats type for men. As shown inFIG. 1(c), two band-like tightening portions 2 and 3 (hereinafter, alsoreferred to as the “posterior lower body above-knee tighteningportions”) are arranged so as to extend in the body length directionfrom each of the left and right hips to the corresponding thigh suchthat the band-like tightening portions 2 and 3 intersect each other, andan intersection 4 of the tightening portions 2 and 3 is located betweenthe top of the hip and proximal ⅓ of the hamstrings. The tighteningportion 2 is arranged so as to extend from the waist, or specifically,an upper end portion of the swimsuit 1, to a medial portion of the thighand also extend to a lower end portion of the swimsuit 1. The tighteningportion 3 is arranged so as to extend from the waist, or specifically,the upper end portion of the swimsuit 1 to a medial portion of thethigh. In order to more effectively support the movements of thehamstrings, the intersection 4 is preferably located in a region thatcovers a portion of the hamstrings, and is more preferably located in aregion that covers a portion of the biceps femoris and/or thesemitendinosus.

Each of the tightening portions 2 and 3 is formed by bonding a piece oftension tape (not shown) to a fabric 102 constituting the main body ofthe swimsuit 1 with a hot melt adhesive such that the longitudinaldirection of the tension tape matches the body length direction, andthen bonding a tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 having a larger widththan the tension tape to the fabric 102 via the tension tape with a hotmelt adhesive such that tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 covers thetension tape and the longitudinal direction of the tape-shapedstretchable fabric 103 matches the body length direction. The fabric 102constituting a back portion of the main body of the swimsuit 1 and afabric 101 constituting a front portion of the main body of the swimsuit1 have different elongation percentages in the body length direction,and from the viewpoint of wearability and smooth movement of the knees,it is preferable that the elongation percentage in the body lengthdirection of the fabric 101 is higher than that of the fabric 102. Inorder to stably maintain the positions of the hips and the hamstringsduring swimming, it is preferable that the fabric 102 is a double clothobtained by bonding two different types of fabrics to each other using ahot melt adhesive.

In order to stably maintain the position of the pelvis and surroundingportions, a configuration may be adopted in which a region of theswimsuit 1 that covers the groin is made of the fabric 102, which has alow elongation percentage in the body length direction, and tighteningportions 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as the “groin tighteningportions”) are arranged in a V shape in regions that cover peripheraledge portions of the groin. Moreover, in order to prevent displacementof the swimsuit at the waist, a configuration may be adopted in whichthe swimsuit 1 has a string 6 that is arranged in the upper end portionthereof. The groin tightening portions 5 can also be formed by bonding apiece of tension tape (not sown) to the fabric 102, which constitutesthe main body of the swimsuit, with a hot melt adhesive such that thelongitudinal direction of the tension tape matches the body lengthdirection, and then bonding a tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 havinga larger width than the tension tape to the fabric 102 via the tensiontape with a hot melt adhesive such that the tape-shaped stretchablefabric 103 covers the tension tape and the longitudinal direction of thetape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 l matches the body length direction.

In this embodiment, two posterior lower body above-knee tighteningportions are provided on each of the left side and the right side;however, the number of posterior lower body above-knee tighteningportions provided on each side may be three or more, or four or more, orother numbers. From the viewpoint of wearability, in the circumferentialdirection of the hips, the total number of seams including the number ofposterior lower body above-knee tightening portions, the number ofstitch lines, the number of adhesion lines where the fabrics are bonded,and the like is preferably 9 or less. Also, from the viewpoint ofwearability, in the circumferential direction of each of the left andright thighs between a crotch portion and an above-knee portion, thetotal number of seams including the number of posterior lower bodyabove-knee tightening portions, the number of stitch lines, the numberof adhesion lines where the fabrics are bonded, and the like ispreferably 4 or less.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2(a) is afront view, FIG. 2(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 2(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 11 is a swimsuit of a half spats type for men. As shown inFIG. 2(c), in the swimsuit 11 of this embodiment, two band-liketightening portions 12 and 13 are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the band-like tightening portions 12 and13 intersect each other, and an intersection 14 of the tighteningportions 12 and 13 is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓of the hamstrings. The tightening portion 12 is arranged so as to extendfrom the waist, or specifically, the upper end portion of the swimsuit11, to a lateral portion of the thigh. The tightening portion 13 isarranged so as to extend from the waist, or specifically, the upper endportion of the swimsuit 11 to a medial portion of the thigh. Theswimsuit 11 may have the same configuration as the swimsuit shown inFIG. 1, except for the arrangement of the tightening portions 12 and 13as well as the intersection 14 of the tightening portions 12 and 13.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3(a) is afront view, FIG. 3(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 3(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 21 is a swimsuit of a half spats type for men. As shown inFIG. 3(c), in the swimsuit 21 of this embodiment, two band-liketightening portions 22 and 23 are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the band-like tightening portions 22 and23 intersect each other, and an intersection 24 of the tighteningportions 22 and 23 is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓of the hamstrings. The tightening portion 22 is arranged so as to extendfrom the waist, or specifically, the upper end portion of the swimsuit21, to a lateral portion of the thigh and also extend to the lower endportion of the swimsuit 21. The tightening portion 23 is arranged so asto extend from the waist, or specifically, the upper end portion of theswimsuit 21 to a medial portion of the thigh. The swimsuit 21 may havethe same configuration as the swimsuit shown in FIG. 1, except for thearrangement of the tightening portions 22 and 23 as well as theintersection 24 of the tightening portions 22 and 23.

In the swimsuit 21 of this embodiment, in order to allow the knees tomove smoothly, a fabric 104 that constitutes a region between thetightening portion 22 and the tightening portion 23, of a region thatcovers the thigh, preferably has a higher elongation percentage in thebody length direction than the fabric 102. In other embodiments as well,a fabric having a higher elongation percentage in the body lengthdirection than the fabric 102 may be used as the fabric that constitutesthe region between the tightening portion 22 and the tightening portion23.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4(a) is afront view, FIG. 4(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 4(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 31 is a swimsuit of a half spats type for men. As shown inFIG. 4(c), in the swimsuit 31 of this embodiment, two band-liketightening portions 32 and 33 are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the band-like tightening portions 32 and33 intersect each other, and an intersection 34 of the tighteningportions 32 and 33 is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓of the hamstrings. The tightening portion 32 is arranged so as to extendfrom the waist, or specifically, the upper end portion of the swimsuit31, to a medial portion of the thigh and also extend to the lower endportion of the swimsuit 31. Moreover, the left and right tighteningportions 32 intersect each other at an upper middle portion of the hips.The tightening portion 33 is arranged so as to extend from the waist, orspecifically, the upper end portion of the swimsuit 31 to a medialportion of the thigh. The swimsuit 31 may have the same configuration asthe swimsuit shown in FIG. 1, except for the arrangement of thetightening portions 32 and 33 as well as the intersection 34 of thetightening portions 32 and 33.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5(a) is afront view, FIG. 5(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 5(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 41 is a swimsuit of a half suit type for women. As shown inFIG. 5(c), two band-like tightening portions 42 and 43 are arranged soas to extend in the body length direction from each of the left andright hips to the corresponding thigh such that the band-like tighteningportions 42 and 43 intersect each other, and an intersection 44 of thetightening portions 42 and 43 is located between the top of the hip andproximal ⅓ of the hamstrings. The tightening portion 42 is arranged soas to extend from the waist to a medial portion of the thigh and alsoextend to the lower end portion of the swimsuit 41. The tighteningportion 43 is arranged so as to extend from the waist to a medialportion of the thigh. In order to more effectively support the movementsof the hamstrings, the intersection 44 is preferably located in a regionthat covers a portion of the hamstrings, and is more preferably locatedin a region that covers a portion of the biceps femoris and/or thesemitendinosus.

Each of the tightening portions 42 and 43 is formed by bonding a pieceof tension tape (not shown) to a fabric 102 constituting the main bodyof the swimsuit 41 with a hot melt adhesive such that the longitudinaldirection of the tension tape matches the body length direction, andthen bonding a tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 having a larger widththan the tension tape to the fabric 102 via the tension tape with a hotmelt adhesive such that tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 covers thetension tape and the longitudinal direction of the tape-shapedstretchable fabric matches the body length direction. In the swimsuit41, the fabrics 101 and 102 are similar to those described in relationto the swimsuit 1 shown in FIG. 1.

In order to stably maintain the position of a section from the trunk tothe pelvis and surrounding portions, it is preferable that a region ofthe swimsuit 41 that covers the groin and the lower abdomen is made ofthe fabric 102, which has a low elongation percentage in the body lengthdirection. Also, the swimsuit 41 may have groin tightening portions 35that are arranged in a V shape in regions that cover peripheral edgeportions of the groin. Moreover, the swimsuit 41 may have sidetightening portions 36 that are arranged on lateral sides of theswimsuit. The groin tightening portions 35 and the side tighteningportions 36 can also be formed by bonding a piece of tension tape (notsown) to the fabric 102, which constitutes the main body of theswimsuit, with a hot melt adhesive such that the longitudinal directionof the tension tape matches the body length direction, and then bondinga tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 having a larger width than thetension tape to the fabric 102 via the tension tape with a hot meltadhesive such that the tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 covers thetension tape and the longitudinal direction of the tape-shapedstretchable fabric 103 matches the body length direction.

In this embodiment, two posterior lower body above-knee tighteningportions are provided on each of the left side and the right side;however, the number of posterior lower body above-knee tighteningportions provided on each side may be three or more, or four or more, orother numbers. From the viewpoint of wearability, in the circumferentialdirection of the hips, the total number of seams including the number ofposterior lower body above-knee tightening portions, the number ofstitch lines, the number of adhesion lines where the fabrics are bonded,and the like is preferably 11 or less. Also, from the viewpoint ofwearability, in the circumferential direction of each of the left andright thighs between a crotch portion and an above-knee portion, thetotal number of seams including the number of posterior lower bodyabove-knee tightening portions, the number of stitch lines, the numberof adhesion lines where the fabrics are bonded, and the like ispreferably 4 or less.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6(a) is afront view, FIG. 6(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 6(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 51 is a swimsuit of a half spats type for women. As shown inFIG. 6(c), in the swimsuit 51 of this embodiment, two band-liketightening portions 52 and 53 are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the band-like tightening portions 52 and53 intersect each other, and an intersection 54 of the tighteningportions 52 and 53 is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓of the hamstrings. The tightening portion 52 is arranged so as to extendfrom the waist to a lateral portion of the thigh. The tightening portion53 is arranged so as to extend from the waist to a medial portion of thethigh. The swimsuit 51 may have the same configuration as the swimsuitshown in FIG. 5, except for the arrangement of the tightening portions52 and 53 as well as the intersection 54 of the tightening portions 52and 53.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7(a) is afront view, FIG. 7(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 7(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 61 is a swimsuit of a half spats type for women. As shown inFIG. 7(c), in the swimsuit 61 of this embodiment, two band-liketightening portions 62 and 63 are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the band-like tightening portions 62 and63 intersect each other, and an intersection 64 of the tighteningportions 62 and 63 is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓of the hamstrings. The tightening portion 62 is arranged so as to extendfrom the waist to a lateral portion of the thigh and also extend to thelower end portion of the swimsuit 61. The tightening portion 63 isarranged so as to extend from the waist to a medial portion of thethigh. The swimsuit 61 may have the same configuration as the swimsuitshown in FIG. 5, except for the arrangement of the tightening portions62 and 63 as well as the intersection 64 of the tightening portions 62and 63.

In the swimsuit 61 of this embodiment, in order to allow the knees tomove smoothly, a fabric 104 that constitutes a region between thetightening portion 62 and the tightening portion 63, of a region thatcovers the thigh, preferably has a higher elongation percentage in thebody length direction than the fabric 102. In other embodiments as well,a fabric having a higher elongation percentage in the body lengthdirection than the fabric 102 may be used as the fabric that constitutesthe region between the tightening portion 22 and the tightening portion23.

FIG. 8 schematically shows the inside (body surface side) of a swimsuitaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8(a) is afront view, FIG. 8(b) is a left side view, and FIG. 8(c) is a rear view.A swimsuit 71 is a swimsuit of a half spats type for women. As shown inFIG. 8(c), in the swimsuit 71 of this embodiment, two band-liketightening portions 72 and 73 are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the band-like tightening portions 72 and73 intersect each other, and an intersection 74 of the tighteningportions 72 and 73 is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓of the hamstrings. The tightening portion 72 is arranged so as to extendfrom the waist to a medial portion of the thigh and also extend to thelower end portion of the swimsuit 71. Moreover, the left and righttightening portions 72 intersect each other at an upper middle portionof the hips. The tightening portion 73 is arranged so as to extend fromthe waist to a medial portion of the thigh. The swimsuit 71 may have thesame configuration as the swimsuit shown in FIG. 5, except for thearrangement of the tightening portions 72 and 73 as well as theintersection 74 of the tightening portions 72 and 73.

The swimsuits shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 are preferred embodiments, in whichthe tightening portions are arranged on the inside (body surface side)of the swimsuits. However, the swimsuit of the present invention is notlimited thereto. For example, all or some of the tightening portions maybe arranged on the outside of the swimsuit.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described.However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The following fabrics were used in the examples and comparativeexamples.

Fabric 101: A plain weave woven fabric having a basis weight of 133 g/m²was used. The fiber composition of the woven fabric was nylon fiber 65%and polyurethane elastic fiber 35%. A thread obtained by covering apolyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 78 dtex) with a nylon fiber(fineness: 33 dtex, filament count: 10) was used as the warp. A threadobtained by covering a polyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 55 dtex)with a nylon fiber (fineness: 33 dtex, filament count: 10) was used asthe weft. The warp density (the number of ends) was 188 threads/inch,and the weft density (the number of picks) was 182 threads/inch. Thefabric was used such that the warp extends in the circumferentialdirection. The fabric 101 had an elongation percentage in the bodylength direction of 41.7% and an elongation percentage in the body widthdirection of 35.2%.

Fabric 102: A double cloth was used. The face cloth was a woven fabricin which plain weave and double weave were combined, and had a basisweight of 138 g/m². The fiber composition of the woven fabric was nylonfiber 65% and polyurethane elastic fiber 35%. A thread obtained bycovering a polyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 78 dtex) with a nylonfiber (fineness: 33 dtex, filament count: 10) was used as the warp. Athread obtained by covering a polyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 55dtex) with a nylon fiber (fineness: 33 dtex, filament count: 10) and athread obtained by covering a polyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 44dtex) with a nylon fiber (fineness: 33 dtex, filament count: 10) wereused as the weft. The warp density (the number of ends) was 184threads/inch, and the weft density (the number of picks) was 188threads/inch. The back cloth was a plain weave woven fabric, and had abasis weight of 114 g/m². The fiber composition of the woven fabric wasnylon fiber 66% and polyurethane elastic fiber 34%. A thread obtained bycovering a polyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 55 dtex) with a nylonfiber (fineness: 24 dtex, filament count: 7) was used as the warp. Athread obtained by covering a polyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 44dtex) with a nylon fiber (fineness: 24 dtex, filament count: 7) was usedas the weft. The warp density (the number of ends) was 219 threads/inch,and the weft density (the number of picks) was 187 threads/inch. Theface cloth and the back cloth were bonded together along their clothedges using a hot melt adhesive (product name: “J861” manufactured byUTAX. Co., Ltd.), and the resulting double cloth was used as the fabric102. Note that both the face cloth and the back cloth were used suchthat the warp thereof extends in the circumferential direction. Thefabric 102 had an elongation percentage in the body length direction of30.9% and an elongation percentage in the body width direction of 56.8%.

Fabric 103: A plain weave woven fabric having a basis weight of 140 g/m²was used. The fiber composition of the woven fabric was nylon fiber 63%and polyurethane elastic fiber 37%. A thread obtained by covering apolyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 78 dtex) with a nylon fiber(fineness: 33 dtex, filament count: 10) was used as the warp. A threadobtained by covering a polyurethane elastic fiber (fineness: 55 dtex)with a nylon fiber (fineness: 33 dtex, filament count: 10) was used asthe weft. The warp density (the number of ends) was 178 threads/inch,and the weft density (the number of picks) was 180 threads/inch. Thefabric was used such that the warp extends in the circumferentialdirection. The fabric 103 had an elongation percentage in the bodylength direction of 56.2% and an elongation percentage in the body widthdirection of 46.2%. Note that the elongation percentage of the fabricswas measured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14.1 (under a load of17.6N, at a tensile speed of 200 mm/min).

Example 1

A swimsuit 1 (M size according to the JASPO standard) of a half spatstype for men like the one shown in FIG. 1 was produced using the fabrics101, 102, and 103. As shown in FIG. 1(c), two band-like tighteningportions 2 and 3 were arranged so as to extend in the body lengthdirection from each of the left and right hips to the correspondingthigh such that the tightening portions 2 and 3 intersected each otherand an intersection 4 of the tightening portions 2 and 3 was locatedbetween the top of the hip and proximal ⅓ of the hamstrings.Specifically, the tightening portion 2 was arranged so as to extend fromthe waist, or specifically, the upper end portion of the swimsuit 1, toa medial portion of the thigh and also extend to the lower end portionof the swimsuit 1. The tightening portion 3 was arranged so as to extendfrom the waist, or specifically, the upper end portion of the swimsuit1, to a medial portion of the thigh. The intersection 4 was arranged soas to be located between the lower edge of the hip and a portion nearthe gluteal fold. As used herein, the term the “lower edge of the hip”means a section at a distance of 100%/4 from the lower end of thegluteus maximus, provided that the length of the gluteus maximus in thebody height direction from the upper end to the lower end thereof istaken as 100%. Each of the tightening portions 2 and 3 was formed byfirst bonding a piece of tension tape (“RF-6200” manufactured by SanChemicals, Ltd., a knit made of a polyester-based fiber, width: 10 mm,modulus of elasticity in the body length direction: 17.5×10⁻⁵ N/mm²) tothe inside (body surface side) of the fabric 102 with a hot meltadhesive such that the longitudinal direction of the tension tapematched the body length direction, and then further bonding the fabric103 that was cut into a tape-like shape having a width of 20 mm to thefabric 102 via the tension tape with a hot melt adhesive such that thefabric 103 covered the tension tape and the longitudinal direction ofthe tape-shaped stretchable fabric 103 matched the body lengthdirection. Tightening portions 5 that were arranged in regions thatcovered the groin were also formed in a similar manner to that of thetightening portions 2 and 3. In the circumferential direction of thehips of the swimsuit of Example 1, the total number of seams includingthe number of posterior lower body above-knee tightening portions, thenumber of stitch lines, and the number of adhesion lines where thefabrics were bonded was 9. Also, in the circumferential direction ofeach of the left and right thighs between a crotch portion and anabove-knee portion, of the swimsuit of Example 1, the total number ofseams including the number of posterior lower body above-knee tighteningportions, the number of stitch lines, and the number of adhesion lineswhere the fabrics were bonded was 4 or less.

Example 2

A swimsuit 41 (M size according to the JASPO standard) of a half spatstype for women like the one shown in FIG. 5 was produced using thefabrics 101, 102, and 103. As shown in FIG. 5(c), two band-liketightening portions 42 and 33 were arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the tightening portions intersected eachother and an intersection 44 of the tightening portions 42 and 33 waslocated between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓ of the hamstrings.Specifically, the tightening portion 42 was arranged so as to extendfrom the waist to a medial portion of the thigh and also extend to thelower end portion of the swimsuit 41. The tightening portion 43 wasarranged so as to extend from the waist to a medial portion of thethigh. The intersection 44 was arranged so as to be located between thelower edge of the hip and a portion near the gluteal fold. Each of thetightening portions 42 and 43 was formed by first bonding a piece oftension tape (“RF-6200” manufactured by San Chemicals, Ltd., a knit madeof a polyester-based fiber, width: 10 mm, modulus of elasticity in thebody length direction: 17.5×10⁻⁵ N/mm²) to the inside (body surfaceside) of the fabric 102 with a hot melt adhesive such that thelongitudinal direction of the tension tape matched the body lengthdirection, and then further bonding the fabric 103 that was cut into atape-like shape having a width of 20 mm to the fabric 102 via thetension tape with a hot melt adhesive such that the fabric 103 coveredthe tension tape and the longitudinal direction of the tape-shapedstretchable fabric 103 matched the body length direction. Tighteningportions 35 that were arranged in regions that covered the groin andside tightening portions 36 that were arranged on the lateral sides ofthe swimsuit were also formed in a similar manner to that of thetightening portions 42 and 33. In the circumferential direction of thehips of the swimsuit of Example 2, the total number of seams includingthe number of posterior lower body above-knee tightening portions, thenumber of stitch lines, and the number of adhesion lines where thefabrics were bonded was 11. Also, in the circumferential direction ofeach of the left and right thighs between a crotch portion and anabove-knee portion, of the swimsuit of Example 2, the total number ofseams including the number of posterior lower body above-knee tighteningportions, the number of stitch lines, and the number of adhesion lineswhere the fabrics were bonded was 4.

Comparative Example 1

A swimsuit 81 (M size according to the JASPO standard) of a half spatstype for men like the one shown in FIG. 11 was produced using thefabrics 101, 102, and 103. As shown in FIG. 11(c), two band-liketightening portions 82 and 83 were arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the tightening portions 82 and 83 did notintersect each other. The tightening portion 82 was arranged so as toextend from the waist, or specifically, the upper end portion of theswimsuit 81, to a medial portion of the thigh, and the tighteningportion 83 was arranged so as to extend from the waist, or specifically,the upper end portion of the swimsuit, to a medial portion of the thighand also extend to the lower end portion of the swimsuit 81. Theswimsuit of Comparative Example 1 had a similar configuration to that ofthe swimsuit of Example 1, except for the arrangement of the tighteningportions 82 and 83.

Comparative Example 2

A swimsuit 91 (M size according to the JASPO standard) of a half spatstype for women like the one shown in FIG. 12 was produced using thefabrics 101, 102, and 103. As shown in FIG. 12(c), two band-liketightening portions 92 and 93 were arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the tightening portions 92 and 93 did notintersect each other. The tightening portion 92 was arranged so as toextend from the waist to a medial portion of the thigh, and thetightening portion 93 was arranged so as to extend from the waist to amedial portion of the thigh and also extend to the lower end portion ofthe swimsuit 91. The swimsuit of Comparative Example 2 had a similarconfiguration to that of the swimsuit of Example 2, except for thearrangement of the tightening portions 92 and 93.

As shown in FIG. 1(c), a piece of fabric 300 (for measurement of thetensile modulus of elasticity of the tightening portions) having a widthof 5 cm and a length of 15 cm, a piece of fabric 400 (for measurement ofthe tensile modulus of elasticity of the intersection) having a width of5 cm and a length of 15 cm, and a piece of fabric 500 (for measurementof the tensile modulus of elasticity of other portions) having a widthof 5 cm and a length of 15 cm were cut from the swimsuit 1. Then, thetensile modulus of elasticity in the body length direction of thestretchable fabric, the tightening portions, and the intersection wasmeasured. As shown in FIG. 11, a piece of fabric 600 (the two tighteningportions) having a width of 5 cm and a length of 15 cm and containingthe two tightening portions was cut from the swimsuit 81, and subjectedto the measurement of tensile modulus of elasticity.

Measurement of Tensile Modulus of Elasticity

The tensile modulus of elasticity was measured based on Method A of JISL 1096 8.14., or specifically, a piece of a fabric was fixed to atensile tester such that the piece of the fabric had a width of 5 cm anda length of 10 cm, and then elongated, and the tensile modulus ofelasticity (N/mm²) of the fabric in the body length direction wasdetermined from the gradient of stress at 5% elongation.

TABLE 1 Tensile modulus of elasticity in body length direction (N/mm²)Tightening Tightening portion Other portions (single) Intersectionportions (two) Ex. 1 252.63 × 10⁻⁵ 315.8 × 10⁻⁵ 179.8 × 10⁻⁵ UnmeasuredCom. Ex. 1 252.63 × 10⁻⁵ N/A 179.8 × 10⁻⁵ 277.2 × 10⁻⁵

As can be seen from the data in Table 1, the tensile modulus ofelasticity in the body length direction of the intersection of the twotightening portions, which was arranged in the region where the skin waslikely to stretch, was higher than the tensile modulus of elasticity inthe body length direction in the case where the two tightening portionsthat did not intersect each other were provided. Thus, in the formercase, it is possible to stabilize the posture in water and alsoeffectively support the movements of the hamstrings.

The swimsuit of the Example 1 and the swimsuit of Comparative Example 1were worn by eight male college students who were higher-ranked swimmersat national competitions, and the 12.5 m SLD swimming time was measured.Also, the swimsuits of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 were worn bysix female college students who were higher-ranked swimmers at nationalcompetitions, and the 15 m SLD swimming time was measured. Tables 2 and3 show the results.

TABLE 2 Time (sec.) Male college student Ex. 1 Com. Ex. 1 A 5.4 5.7 B5.7 5.8 C 5.5 6.0 D 5.2 5.5 E 5.0 5.2 F 5.0 5.1 G 6.1 6.4 H 5.6 5.8Average 5.44 5.67

TABLE 3 Time (sec.) Female college student Ex. 1 Com. Ex. 1 I 15.4 15.6J 13.5 13.7 K 17.1 17.3 L 13.6 13.9 M 14.2 14.7 N 17.2 17.5 Average15.17 15.45

As can be seen from the results shown in Tables 2 and 3 above, when theswimsuits of the examples were worn, the time was faster than in thecase where the swimsuits of the comparative examples were worn, and themovements of the hamstrings, or specifically, the maintenance of theposture in the water were more effectively supported.

The muscle tension of the joint extensors and the hip joint medialrotators when swimming (when swimming the crawl) while wearing theswimsuit of Example 1 or Comparative Example 1 was evaluated usingmethods disclosed in Japanese Patent Nos. 5920724 and 3831348. Table 4below shows the results. The hip joint extensors include the gluteusmaximus, the gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus, and the hamstrings,and the hip joint medial rotators include the semitendinosus, thesemimembranosus, the gluteus medius (lateral side), the gluteus minimus(lateral side), and the tensor fasciae latae.

TABLE 4 Hip joint extensors Hip joint medial rotators Ex. 1 696 117 Com.Ex. 1 708 121

As can be seen from the data in Table 4, when the swimsuit of theexample was worn, the muscle tension of the hip joint extensors and thehip joint medial rotators during the crawl stroke motion was lower thanthat when the swimsuit of the comparative example was worn. Thus, it wasfound that, with the configuration in which two band-like tighteningportions were arranged so as to extend in the body length direction fromeach of the left and right hips to the corresponding thigh such that thetightening portions intersected each other and the intersection of thetwo or more band-like tightening portions was located between the top ofthe hip and proximal ⅓ of the hamstrings, the hamstrings were supported,and hence the hip joint extensors and the hip joint medial rotators weresupported.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A swimsuit of the present invention is especially suitable forcompetition swimsuits.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91: Swimsuit

2, 3, 12, 13, 22, 23, 32, 33, 42, 43, 52, 53, 62, 63, 72, 73, 82, 83,92, 93: (Posterior lower body above-knee) Tightening portion

4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74: Intersection of (posterior lower bodyabove-knee) tightening portion

5, 35: (Groin) Tightening portion

6: String

36: Side tightening portion

101, 102, 103, 104: Fabric

200: Degree

300, 400, 500, 600: Piece of fabric

1. A swimsuit that is made of a stretchable fabric and covers at least aportion of the thighs and the hips when worn, wherein two or moreband-like tightening portions are arranged so as to extend in the bodylength direction from each of the left and right hips to thecorresponding thigh such that the tightening portions intersect eachother, and an intersection of the two or more band-like tighteningportions is located between the top of the hip and proximal ⅓ of thehamstrings.
 2. The swimsuit according to claim 1, wherein the tighteningportions are each formed by bonding a piece of tension tape to astretchable fabric that constitutes a main body of the swimsuit, andthen bonding a tape-shaped stretchable fabric having a larger width thanthe tension tape to the stretchable fabric via the tension tape.
 3. Theswimsuit according to claim 2, wherein the tension tape and thetape-shaped stretchable fabric are located on the inside of theswimsuit.
 4. The swimsuit according to claim 1, wherein the intersectionof the two or more band-like tightening portions is located in a regionthat covers a portion of the hamstrings.
 5. The swimsuit according toclaim 1, wherein the intersection of the two or more band-liketightening portions is located in a region that covers a portion of thebiceps femoris and/or the semitendinosus.
 6. The swimsuit according toclaim 1, wherein the stretchable fabric has a tensile modulus ofelasticity in the body length direction of 140×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and200×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, as measured based on Method A of JIS L 10968.14.
 7. The swimsuit according to claim 1, wherein the tighteningportions have a tensile modulus of elasticity in the body lengthdirection of 160×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 220×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less, asmeasured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14.
 8. The swimsuit accordingto claim 1, wherein the intersection of the two or more band-liketightening portions has a tensile modulus of elasticity in the bodylength direction of 220×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 420×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or less,as measured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14.
 9. The swimsuitaccording to claim 4, wherein the intersection of the two or moreband-like tightening portions has a tensile modulus of elasticity in thebody length direction of 220×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 420×10⁻⁵ N/mm² orless, as measured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14.
 10. The swimsuitaccording to claim 5, wherein the intersection of the two or moreband-like tightening portions has a tensile modulus of elasticity in thebody length direction of 220×10⁻⁵ N/mm² or more and 420×10⁻⁵ N/mm² orless, as measured based on Method A of JIS L 1096 8.14.